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This report presents an inventory of global data sources which
can be used to provide consistent geospatial baselines for core framework data
layers in the support of generalized base mapping, emergency preparedness and
response, food security and poverty mapping. In the report, only globally
consistent data sources at the scales of 1:5 million or larger for vector data
and a nominal pixel size of 5 arc minutes or higher resolution for raster data,
were considered.

The sources of data presented in the inventory were identified
based on a review of on-line Internet resources conducted in the first quarter
of 2004 and updated in January 2005.

The inventory is divided into two parts: with Part One of the
inventory presenting overview, terminology and summary sections of globally
consistent data libraries; while Part Two contains a categorization of the data
sources identified broken into topical subsections based on the individual core
data layers specified by UNGIWG and FAO. The report also includes a matrix
rating the suitability of the various data sources identified to each of the
core data layers specified by UGIWIG and FAO, and introduces Virtual Base Maps
as a potential cost-effective means for: providing spatial referencing to remote
field offices, enhancing Internet map serving capabilities, and facilitating
mapping via GPS handheld devices.

An Inventory and Comparison of Globally Consistent
Geospatial Databases and Libraries